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Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
Have you ever considered naming your furry friend after a figure from the Bible?
Whether you’re a devoted believer or simply appreciate the rich stories and meanings behind these names, biblical dog names can add a unique touch to your pet’s identity.
Choosing a biblical name for your dog can create a special bond, linking your pet to a tradition that has inspired countless people.
Whether you want a name that reflects bravery, love, or wisdom, there’s a perfect biblical name waiting for you and your four-legged companion.
Join me as we explore a variety of biblical dog names, from the well-known to the unique, and discover how these meaningful names can enrich your pet’s life—and yours!
Popular Biblical Names for Dogs
When it comes to naming your dog, drawing inspiration from the Bible can lead to some truly meaningful choices.
Here are some popular biblical names for both male and female dogs, complete with their meanings and attributes.
Male Names
- Moses
- Meaning: “Drawn out of water”
- Traits: Known for his leadership and courage, Moses is a fitting name for a loyal and brave dog.
- Noah
- Meaning: “Rest” or “Comfort”
- Traits: As the builder of the ark, Noah represents protection and survival, ideal for a dog that makes you feel safe.
- Samson
- Meaning: “Sun” or “Service”
- Traits: Famous for his strength, Samson is perfect for a powerful and energetic pup.
- Gideon
- Meaning: “Hewer” or “One who cuts trees”
- Traits: Known for his bravery in battle, this name suits a dog with a courageous spirit.
Female Names
- Ruth
- Meaning: “Friend” or “Companion”
- Traits: Ruth’s loyalty and kindness make this name ideal for a loving and devoted female dog.
- Esther
- Meaning: “Star”
- Traits: A name that signifies beauty and bravery, perfect for a dog that lights up your life.
- Miriam
- Meaning: “Sea of bitterness” or “Wished-for child”
- Traits: As a strong and influential figure, Miriam is great for a dog with a strong personality.
- Deborah
- Meaning: “Bee”
- Traits: Known for her wisdom and leadership, Deborah is a fitting name for a smart and spirited dog.
Unique Biblical Names
If you’re looking for something a bit different for your furry friend, consider these unique biblical names.
Each of these lesser-known names carries its own story and significance, making them perfect for a dog with a distinct personality.
Male Names
- Jabez
- Meaning: “Sorrow”
- Context: Despite his name, Jabez is known for his prayer for blessing and his desire for a life free from pain. This name could suit a dog that has overcome challenges.
- Hosea
- Meaning: “Salvation”
- Context: A prophet who exemplified faithfulness, Hosea is a fitting name for a devoted and loving companion.
- Obadiah
- Meaning: “Servant of God”
- Context: A lesser-known prophet, this name is great for a loyal dog that serves as a steadfast friend.
Female Names
- Zipporah
- Meaning: “Bird”
- Context: Moses’ wife, known for her resourcefulness and strength, this name is perfect for a spirited and lively female dog.
- Priscilla
- Meaning: “Ancient”
- Context: A strong leader in the early church, Priscilla is an ideal name for a dog with a bold personality and a nurturing spirit.
- Selah
- Meaning: “Pause” or “Reflect”
- Context: Often found in the Psalms, this name is perfect for a calm and thoughtful dog that encourages you to take life a little slower.
- Talitha
- Meaning: “Little girl”
- Context: A name that signifies tenderness and care, ideal for a small or gentle dog that brings comfort and joy to your life.
These unique biblical names not only stand out but also carry rich meanings and histories, making them great choices for your beloved dog.
By choosing a less common name, you can ensure that your pet’s identity is as special as they are!
Names Inspired by Biblical Traits
Biblical names often embody virtues and traits that can resonate deeply with your dog’s personality.
Here are some names inspired by these characteristics, perfect for a pet that exemplifies these qualities.
Faith
- Meaning: Complete trust or confidence in someone or something
- Traits: Ideal for a dog that is always by your side, showcasing unwavering loyalty and companionship.
Hope
- Meaning: A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen
- Traits: A wonderful name for a cheerful and optimistic dog who brings joy to your life and others around them.
Joy
- Meaning: A feeling of great pleasure and happiness
- Traits: Perfect for a playful and spirited dog who brightens your day with their antics and affection.
Grace
- Meaning: Simple elegance or refinement of movement
- Traits: A fitting name for an elegant and gentle dog that moves with poise and charm.
Mercy
- Meaning: Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone
- Traits: Suitable for a kind-hearted dog that has a gentle disposition and a loving nature.
Peace
- Meaning: Freedom from disturbance; tranquility
- Traits: Perfect for a calm and serene dog that brings a sense of tranquility to your home.
More Biblical Dog Names
- Abby
- Derived from Abigail, a woman of intelligence and courage in the Old Testament.
- Abel
- Abel is a biblical character, the second son of Adam and Eve in the Old Testament.
- Abraham
- Abraham is a significant figure in the Bible, known as the patriarch of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
- Angel
- Derived from biblical references, symbolizing a heavenly messenger or divine being.
- Asher
- Asher is a character from the Old Testament, one of Jacob’s twelve sons.
- Cain
- Cain is a character from the Bible, known as Adam and Eve’s first son.
- Chloe
- Chloe is a name mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible (1 Corinthians 1:11).
- Delilah
- Derived from a significant character in the Book of Judges in the Bible.
- Diana
- Diana is a biblical dog name because it originates from the Roman goddess of the hunt, often associated with animals.
- Eli
- Eli is a character in the Bible, a high priest and judge of Israel.
- Eve
- Eve is the first woman created by God in the Bible.
- Genesis
- Genesis is the first book in the Bible, often associated with beginnings or origins.
- Goliath
- Derived from a giant Philistine warrior defeated by David in the Bible.
- Hannah
- Hannah is a significant figure in the Old Testament of the Bible.
- Isaac
- Derived from the Bible, Isaac was Abraham’s son and a key figure in the Old Testament.
- Isaiah
- Derived from a significant prophet in the Old Testament of the Bible.
- Ishmael
- Derived from a significant character in the Bible, Abraham’s first son.
- Isreal
- Derived from the Bible, where it refers to Jacob and his descendants, also known as the Israelites.
- Jericho
- Jericho is a significant city in the Bible, known for its walls falling in the Book of Joshua.
- Jethro
- Jethro is a character from the Book of Exodus in the Bible.
- Jewel
- Jewel represents precious stones mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing value and beauty.
- Jezebel
- Derived from a notorious queen in the Old Testament known for her wickedness and idolatry.
- Jonah
- Derived from a prophet in the Old Testament who was swallowed by a whale.
- Jordan
- Jordan is a significant river in the Bible, where Jesus was baptized.
- Judah
- Derived from a significant biblical figure, one of Jacob’s twelve sons and founder of a major Israelite tribe.
- Jude
- Derived from Judas, one of Jesus’s twelve apostles in the New Testament.
- Leah
- Leah is a significant character in the Old Testament of the Bible, Jacob’s first wife.
- Levi
- Levi is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, serving as the founder of the Israelite Tribe of Levi.
- Lo
- Derived from “Lo and behold,” a phrase frequently used in the Bible.
- Lois
- Lois is mentioned in the New Testament as Timothy’s grandmother.
- Lupe
- Derived from Guadalupe, a title for Virgin Mary in the Bible.
- Lydia
- Lydia is a character from the New Testament in the Bible, making it a biblical name.
- Madonna
- Derived from “Madonna”, a title for Mary, mother of Jesus, in Christian tradition.
- Magdalena
- Derived from Mary Magdalene, a significant figure in the New Testament of the Bible.
- Magdalene
- Derived from Mary Magdalene, a significant figure in the New Testament of the Bible.
- Maria
- Derived from Mary, mother of Jesus, in the New Testament of the Bible.
- Mark
- Mark is a prominent figure in the New Testament, authoring the Gospel of Mark.
- Martha
- Martha is a character from the New Testament, sister of Mary and Lazarus.
- Mary
- Derived from the mother of Jesus Christ in the Christian Bible.
- Matt
- Derived from Matthew, a disciple of Jesus Christ in the New Testament of the Bible.
- Myra
- Derived from Hebrew, meaning “swift” or “water,” often associated with biblical references.
- Naomi
- Naomi is a prominent figure in the Book of Ruth in the Bible.
- Olive
- Olive is a significant symbol in the Bible, representing peace and humanity’s reconciliation with God.
- Phoebe
- Phoebe is a woman mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible (Romans 16:1).
- Pope
- The title is associated with religious leadership, specifically in Christianity, reflecting biblical connotations.
- Rachel
- Rachel is a prominent figure in the Bible, Jacob’s beloved wife and mother of Joseph and Benjamin.
- Reuben
- Reuben is a significant character in the Old Testament, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah.
- Rufus
- Rufus is mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in Mark 15:21 and Romans 16:13.
- Sarah
- Sarah is a significant figure in the Bible, being the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac.
- Saul
- Derived from a significant figure in the Old Testament, known for being the first king of Israel.
- Sheba
- Derived from a kingdom mentioned in the Bible, associated with wealth and exoticism.
- Shiloh
- Shiloh is a significant location in the Old Testament and means “peace” in Hebrew.
- Solomon
- Derived from a wise and powerful king in the Old Testament of the Bible.
- Tabitha
- Tabitha is a character in the New Testament who was known for good deeds and charity.
- Trinity
- Refers to the Christian doctrine of God as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Zeke
- Derived from Ezekiel, a prophet in the Old Testament of the Bible.
Tips for Choosing the Right Name
Selecting the perfect biblical name for your dog is an exciting process, but it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure the name feels just right.
Here are some tips to guide you in making your choice:
1. Reflect on Your Dog’s Personality
Take a moment to observe your dog’s behavior and traits. Are they playful and energetic, or calm and gentle? A name like “Joy” might suit a lively pup, while “Grace” could be perfect for a more serene dog.
2. Consider Their Appearance
Sometimes, a dog’s physical characteristics can inspire the perfect name. For instance, a dog with a rich golden coat might be well-suited to the name “Hosea,” which means “salvation,” reflecting their radiant presence.
3. Think About Pronunciation
Choose a name that is easy to pronounce and that your dog can easily recognize. Names that are short and clear, like “Ruth” or “Noah,” can be more effective when calling your pet.
4. Make It Personal
Consider names that hold personal significance to you. Perhaps a name like “Esther” resonates with you due to its story of courage and strength, or “Miriam” reflects a cherished family connection.
5. Test It Out
Once you have a few names in mind, try them out! Call your dog by each name and observe their reaction. A name that elicits a positive response can often be the right fit.
6. Don’t Rush the Decision
Choosing a name is an important decision, so take your time. It’s perfectly okay to try out a few names before settling on the one that feels just right for your furry friend.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can choose a biblical name that not only honors the rich tradition behind it but also perfectly captures your dog’s unique spirit.
Happy naming!